Court date for top cop

Chief Superintendent Jim Trotman was charged with perverting the course of justice and two counts of insurance fraud in relation to an alleged incident in Oxfordshire

A former West Berkshire top cop is due to appear at crown court next month charged with insurance fraud.

Chief Superintendent Jim Trotman, more recently head of strategic development at Thames Valley Police, appeared before Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with perverting the course of justice and two counts of insurance fraud in relation to an alleged incident in Oxfordshire.

Trotman was arrested following an investigation into an allegation of arson and associated insurance claim.

The 44-year-old, from Abingdon, was released on unconditional bail and is due to appear before Swindon Crown Court on Friday, May 7.